US says to continue arms embargo on Nepal

The United States will continue an arms embargo on Nepal because of its failure to restore democracy after a royal takeover in February by King Gyanendra, seen here in July 2005

09.14.2005, 07:11 AM

KATHMANDU (AFX) - A US arms embargo on Nepal will remain in place because democracy has still not been restored after a royal takeover in February and because of continued human rights abuses by the army, the US embassy said.

The US Secretary of State declined to certify that Nepal's army has complied with human rights guidelines or issue a waiver that would allow arms sales on national security grounds, embassy spokesman Robert Hugins said.

'The decision of the State Department to continue to withhold lethal arms supply to Nepal was taken this month and was conveyed to the Nepalese government recently,' Hugins said.

Arms sales were suspended after king Gyanendra sacked a coalition government and seized power to curb a Maoist insurgency that has claimed more than 12,000 lives since 1996.

Under US law, the State Department is required annually to certify that the army has complied with human rights guidelines, including access to civilians held in army detention centers, before any arms sales, Hugins said.

The Secretary of State can waive the human rights certification requirements on national security grounds, but declined to do so, he said.

Several countries have curtailed arms shipments to Nepal since the takeover, including India and the UK.

The US has called for a return to democratic rule, but also said it remains concerned about the Maoist rebellion and has maintained contacts with senior Nepalese officials.

On Tuesday, Lt. General John Brown III of the US Pacific Command met Nepal army chief Pyar Jung Thapa, an army statement said.

'Discussions on topical issues of mutual concern were held between the visiting US general and senior army officials,' it said. Sphere: Related Content